Chapter 48: A New Dawn

Eleanor

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the countryside as the carriage rattled down the worn path. I lifted the lace veil from my face, peering through the small window at the chapel nestled between rolling green hills.

It was nothing like Cavendish Manor—not grand or imposing, but peaceful and intimate. Ivy curled around its stone walls, and the stained-glass windows caught the light, throwing splashes of color onto the cobblestone path leading to the entrance.

"This is it."

Beside me, James reached for my hand, squeezing it gently. My brother had been my anchor through everything, and today was no different. “Are you ready, El?”

I turned to him, my heart full. “More than ever.”

He grinned, adjusting the cuffs of his coat. “Victor is a lucky man.”

“He’d better know it.”